Quote:
Originally Posted by Infinit47
I think part of the reason the first line has been so terrible is they have a gaping hole on the left side in terms of any forechecking pressure.
I don't expect Gaudreau to go in and rock the opposing dman, but all he does now is stand a couple feel away and wave his stick at them. If the Stars get the puck onto his side it's almost a guaranteed zone exit. In effect all he is doing is getting himself trapped when he loses the board "battle". May as well have his line fall back and play 1-2-2 and try to turn the puck over in the neutral zone. Expecting any pressure from Gaudreau in recovering the puck is foolish.
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And when he has the puck he’s treating it like a grenade. Afraid of any contact and just throws the puck away when a defender comes close.
Crazy part of the whole thing is the game winner last night was the first 5v5 goal against Gaudreau- Monahan have been on the ice for at 5v5 (and for Monahan really it was bad luck as he just came off the bench).
The whole line needs to do more but I do feel a bit bad for Monahan and Lindholm since I feel like they are trying but it’s tough to generate offense when it’s like you’re playing 4 against 5 all the time.
Gaudreau has never been great in the playoffs but this season is a whole other level.
Like what happened to this guy who was great in the must win game against a tough LA team and then was at least generating in the playoffs. (16:30 onwards)
He looks nothing like that guy anymore.